From rockers to rowers – with Attitude

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For immediate release

From rockers to rowers – with Attitude

Finalists for the fourth annual Attitude Awards have been selected.

Winners will be announced at a black tie event to be held on December 1 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.

The evening celebrates courageous and inspirational people who live with a disability. Some are world champions or international stars, while others are heroes in their own communities. Above all, these awards showcase people making the most of life, despite living with a disability.

The finalists this year include musician Eddie Low, who despite being born blind became an international star. After 50 years in music he is still recording, performing and touring and says he will continue as long as people want to hear him.

The finalists’ line up also includes Danny McBride, who in 12 months went from being a novice rower to an international medallist and a member of the New Zealand world rowing championship team.

There are eight categories in the awards including sport performer of the year, courage in sport, artistic achievement, youth, Spirit of Attitude, the ACC employer award, ‘Making a Difference award’ and the ACC Supreme Award.

The Attitude Awards have grown from the television series “Attitude”, which screens throughout the year on TV One at 8.30am on Sundays and TVNZ7.

Attitude TV executive producer Robyn Scott-Vincent says it’s necessary to celebrate those who achieve incredible things despite living with a disability to help drive a change in attitude and ensure a higher level of understanding and inclusion in society.

“Hearing the stories of amazing New Zealanders isn’t just a way to recognise achievements,” says Robyn. “It also inspires people at large to change their attitudes not only towards people living with disabilities, but also towards life.”

The winner of this year’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award will receive $5000 worth of travel from Air New Zealand as well as the use of a Signature Class car for a year, provided by Toyota New Zealand. With most of the categories receiving cash prizes, the winner of the youth award will receive $10,000 while the sport performer of the year takes home a flat screen television.

Dr Jan White, ACC Chief Executive says ACC is proud to return as a principal sponsor of the Attitude Awards.

“These awards are about celebrating the fact that with the right attitude and support, anything is possible. Every year, I'm amazed by the achievements of the finalists. They provide so much inspiration to others to keep reaching for your goals after an injury and focus on what you can do, not what you can't do," says Dr White.

The Lion Foundation, Air New Zealand, Westpac, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, Drake Medox, IHC Foundation and the Ministry of Health have also committed to supporting the awards.

Ends.

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